2 March, 2011
Things are about to heat up in Hopkinton. In a few short weeks, bCalm Power Yoga will open its doors, offering physical fitness, stress reduction, and yes, some long-awaited, healing HEAT! Lesley Reilly, BCalm’s founder and owner, a certified instructor in the practice of Power Vinyasa Yoga, looks forward to sharing her belief that yoga is for everybody. Her bCalm Power Yoga studio will offer power yoga classes in a heated setting, which helps to cleanse the body and enhance flexibility and performance.
“The heat truly is the key to success,” says Reilly. “Regardless of the age or fitness level of new practitioners, most students find that once their bodies are warmed, they can do much more than they ever considered possible.”
Reilly, a self-proclaimed fitness fanatic, stumbled upon yoga six years ago, after several athletic injuries and two knee surgeries. She was not your typical yoga convert, and in fact, she was dragged to her first class by a friend, who convinced her that she could expedite her recovery and regain her strength if she’d “open her mind and give yoga a try.”
“I really didn’t see myself on a yoga mat,” laughs Reilly. “The idea of yoga conjured up pictures of pencil thin, pretzel-like gurus, solemnly chanting, and I was neither pencil thin or solemn.” “Worse,” Reilly continued, “I pictured modern day ‘yogis’ - overly fit chicks in well-fitted, perfectly matched spandex, sneering and judging me as I attempted to salute the sun.”
But Lesley’s friend triumphed, and that first yoga class changed her life!
“As soon as I entered the studio, I felt a rush and a renewing sense of energy,” said Reilly.
Reilly quickly, and quite unexpectedly, became an enthusiastic and devoted yoga student, learning to slow her pace, to be still, to feel, and to BREATHE! Within two years of her introduction to yoga, Lesley began her teacher training in the Baptiste Method of Power Vinyasa Yoga. Vinyasa, meaning “flow”, is a very energetic, challenging and flexible form of yoga. It incorporates many traditional yoga poses, but they are offered in a varied format, making each class experience unique.
Lesley has never looked back since starting her yoga journey. In fact, she traded her corporate career for a life dedicated to sharing the gifts of yoga with her own students. Lesley has studied under many yoga gurus, and has taken a bit from each to create her own energetic, challenging, yet lively style. She has gained a following in several studios, where students are quickly drawn to her unique ability to push them to their limits, both physically and mentally, while maintaining a joyful, sometimes humorous approach.
Reilly’s mantra, “yoga is truly for every body,” sets the tone for the classes that she teaches.
“There are no limits, there is no judgment, says Reilly. “We all come as we are, and learn together to become what we aspire to be.”
The classes are truly diverse. People of all ages, sexes and physical abilities come together to form a community that values and supports each individual while celebrating the strengths and accomplishments of all. Power yoga offers an environment where peak athletes can practice side by side with mature adults working out the kinks of arthritis, as well as new moms working to lose that baby fat and gain some peace of mind. Students work at their own pace, while each is challenged fully to meet their personal goals and exceed their own expectations.
The benefits of yoga are virtually limitless.
“Yoga provides improved muscle tone, increased strength, improved flexibility, reduction or elimination of pain, rehabilitation for injuries, enhanced sports performance, reduced stress, increased concentration and focus, and enhanced creativity”, says Reilly.
In fact, many research studies credit yoga as one key to slowing the process of aging.
“This is basically related to the ‘use it or lose it’ theory”, says Reilly.
MJ Ryan, one of Lesley’s more recent yoga converts, agrees with the anti-aging research.
“Like Lesley, I was also dragged to the yoga mat by my niece", said Ryan who had tried yoga many years ago and found it unchallenging and odd.
Ryan’s niece convinced her that the heat would help with flexibility, and challenged her to give hot yoga a try. They agreed that she would give it an honest attempt- try it a few times- and see what happened.
“I have been taking classes with Lesley for 18 months now, and have never felt better,” said Ryan. “That first hot, sweaty 90 minutes of torture, was one of the most challenging and difficult things I have ever done. I returned, however, and now I cannot live without it! Lesley’s infectious approach and humorous style help to make yoga fun, but the true rewards are after class, and beyond.”
Yoga provides challenges to men as well as women. Jim Pearson, one of many male students who frequent Reilly’s classes, recently sent her an email confessing that he’s addicted.
“I’m hooked, said Pearson. “The 90 minute Vinyasa class at 90 degrees has been particularly fun, since it continues to challenge my inner calm and concentration. It’s the first time I can challenge myself personally and be in a class and benefit from the strength of the group.”
While individual stories are compelling, Lesley Reilly insists that one must try power yoga to truly understand its many benefits. Lesley and her colleagues at bCalm PowerYoga invite Hopkinton residents and all of our neighbors to come and personally experience the amazing power of hot yoga. bCalm will offer classes throughout the day, private and semi-private lessons, and special youth and athletic team workshops. Lesley and her colleagues are happy to customize a program for individuals, groups and teams to address specific needs.
bcalm Power Yoga is just finishing construction at 61 Wood Street (St. Paul’s Church, lower level) in Hopkinton. Watch for bCalm’s Grand Opening, slated for March 26, 2011. Details and special offers will be announced soon. Break the winter chill, and warm up to a new you at bCalm Power Yoga. For more information, and class schedules, please visit thebCalm Power Yoga website.
